By Clint Thompson Peach producers struggling to produce a crop this year are likely already starting to think about next season. It is all about reducing input costs at this point, believes Jeff Cook, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension agriculture and natural resources agent for Peach and Taylor counties. “Going forward, they’re probably going to do as little as possible …
UGA Scientist Identifies Needs in Precision Agriculture
By Clint Thompson Precision agriculture innovations are required for sustainability to be a reality for specialty crop producers in the Southeast. That is why the International Conference of Integrative Precision Agriculture was held in Athens, Georgia in May. That is why growers presented their concerns to industry specialists like Ash Sial, University of Georgia (UGA) entomologist. He identified the main …
UGA Research: Another Option in Managing Fusarium Wilt?
By Clint Thompson A five-county University of Georgia (UGA) Extension research project is yielding positive results regarding the management of fusarium wilt disease. The research from the South Georgia counties of Berrien, Cook, Crisp, Wilcox and Turner has potentially provided another tool in the toolbox for watermelon growers challenged with this annual problem. Extension agents have researched various rootstocks and …
UGA’s Tyson Discusses Vidalia Onion Harvest Season
By Clint Thompson Vidalia onion industry specialists are optimistic about this year’s crop despite the challenges it encountered during the early part of the production season at Christmas time. Multiple days of sub-freezing temperatures stymied the growth of plants after they were just put into the ground. It led to some plant stand issues, said Chris Tyson, University of Georgia …
UGA’s Sparks Provides Insect Update
By Clint Thompson The recent hot and dry weather conditions that were prevalent across the Southeast could factor into how widespread insect pressure is heading into April. Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist, discussed the insect pests growers should be wary of during planting season across the region. “Diamondback moth is starting to build up. We’ve …
UGA to Host Spring Farm Stress Summit
The University of Georgia will be hosting a Spring Farm Stress Summit on Monday, March 20, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Mercer University-Macon Campus. The summit welcomes those interested to attend the Summit and learn from others about how to combat farm stress within Georgia’s rural communities. The keynote speaker will be Marshal Sewell, a strategic account …
UGA Peach Specialist Confident Despite Chill Hour Shortage
By Clint Thompson One University of Georgia (UGA) peach specialist is confident about this year’s crop despite falling short of chill hour accumulation. Dario Chavez, UGA assistant professor with an emphasis in peach physiology and breeding, discussed Georgia’s crop at the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association annual meeting on Thursday, Feb. 9 in Gulf Shores, Alabama. “In Georgia we’re …
UGA Specialist Provides Blueberry Harvest Tips
By Clint Thompson Blueberry harvest season is just around the corner for Southeast producers. Proper harvest and handling practices can make the difference in growers producing the best fruit quality. Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist, provided reminders for farmers during the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference. The main tip is to handle …
UGA Specialist Updates on Phony Peach Disease
By Clint Thompson Phony peach disease in the Southeast has not worsened over time. But it is still bad enough that producers need to be wary of its presence during the production season. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, discussed the disease during the recent Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference. “It’s caused by a bacteria, …
UGA Extension Reminds Strawberry Producers to Tissue Sample
University of Georgia Extension reminds strawberry growers that now is the time tissue sample their strawberry plants. Jeff Cook, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources agent for Peach and Taylor counties, reported in the UGA Extension Strawberry Blog that tissue sampling is the best way to determine if plants have the nutrients they need to produce …